The Enugu State Government has warned market leaders against shutting down major markets in the state capital to compel traders to attend a political rally in support of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah, declaring that violators would face sanctions.
The warning followed reports that some market association executives were planning to close markets on Saturday (today) to mobilise traders for a solidarity rally organised by the Enugu East Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rally is aimed at garnering support for Tinubu and Mbah’s re-election.
But the state government, in a statement on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr Malachy Agbo, distanced itself from the planned market closure, insisting that the move was inconsistent with its economic agenda and policy against disruptions to commercial activities.
According to Agbo, although the administration appreciates the support and goodwill of traders across the state, it will not condone any action capable of undermining economic activities or infringing on the rights of citizens.
The statement read in part, “The attention of the Enugu State Government has been drawn to an alleged plan to shut markets in the state capital as a demonstration of solidarity with the Enugu East zonal rally to drum up support for His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, ahead of the 2027 general election.
“While the government appreciates the enormous demonstration of goodwill by traders across the state, it frowns, however, at any attempt by any market leader to shut down major markets in the Enugu East Senatorial District on account of the planned rally.”
Agbo said the closure of markets would run contrary to Mbah’s vision of transforming the state’s economy and attracting investment.
“This is not only contrary to the administration’s vision and drive to grow Enugu State’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, and also to position the state as the preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living, but also the decision of the administration to ban illegal sit-at-home effective June 5, 2023,” he stated.
The government also reminded political actors and market leaders that participation in political activities remains a personal choice protected by the Constitution.
“Furthermore, the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of association and assembly. Thus, nothing should be seen to detract from these rights in this or future rallies by any group whatsoever. For emphasis, political participation should be voluntary and without any attempt to deny the people access to markets or other public spaces where they earn their daily living,” the statement added.
The state government urged traders and residents to disregard any directive ordering the closure of markets and continue with their lawful activities on Saturday.
It added that security and regulatory agencies had been alerted to monitor compliance across the state capital.
“Therefore, members of the public, particularly leaderships of various markets in the state should take note, please, as government will not hesitate to impose sanctions on any action to the contrary,” the statement concluded.
